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Guides & Help

Effective Online Learning

This guide offers some practical advice as well as resources for deeper reflection on the online learning process.

Productive Home Study Space

Creating Space That Works for Online Learning

Manage Noise

If you can't reproduce the silence that you love in the library, drown out background noise with instrumental music or ambient noise. A little bit of background noise can actually help you concentrate.

Get Off the Bed/Couch

If you're used to sitting at a table or study carrel work, trying to work from the bed or couch might be a little too comfortable. If you don't have a desk to work at, try clearing the kitchen table or pulling a chair up to the bed and using it as a desk.

Organize Your Space

Try gathering all the material you will need for your class or study session before you sit down. Keep clutter to a minimum. This will minimize interruptions and keep you focused.

Shed Some Light

Position yourself where you can get some natural light. This will help improve your mood and help you study more effectively for longer periods of time.

Limit Screen Time

We're all worried about screen time for kids, but now we have to think about it for ourselves. Be conscious of giving yourself a break from screens in between video conferences and online activities.

Differentiate Space

Make study/class space different from your living/hangout area. Keeping these areas distinct will help you stay focused and keep course work from taking over every aspect of your life.